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Abhinandan Creations, a women’s apparel manufacturer, faced software limitations and chose ERPNext for its cloud-based, customizable features, implemented by Hard n Soft Consultancy.

Highlights

• 🏭 Abhinandan Creations has a state-of-the-art 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Kalan, Mumbai.
• 👗 They produce women’s intimate apparel under the Salient brand and supply to major retailers like Reliance and Nika.
• ☁️ The previous software was not cloud-based, restricting remote access and customization.
• 💰 ERPNext was selected for its cost-effectiveness, as it does not charge per user like other options.
• 🔧 Highly customizable features of ERPNext met the specific needs of the apparel industry.
• 🤝 Hard n Soft Consultancy provided responsive support, enhancing the user experience during the transition.
• 🌟 ERPNext offers a comprehensive solution, reducing reliance on multiple software systems.

Key Insights

• 💡 Adaptability is Key: Abhinandan Creations required software that could be tailored to their unique sizing and production needs, highlighting the importance of customization in ERP systems.
• 🌐 Cloud Advantage: The shift to a cloud-based ERP system like ERPNext allows for greater flexibility and remote access, essential for modern manufacturing businesses.
• 📈 Cost Efficiency: The elimination of user-based fees in ERPNext presents a significant financial advantage for small to medium enterprises seeking scalable solutions.
• 🔍 Open Source Benefits: ERPNext’s open-source nature means continuous improvements and abundant resources for users, making it a sustainable choice for growing businesses.
• 🎯 User-Centric Approach: The collaboration with Hard n Soft Consultancy showcased the importance of having a dedicated support team that understands specific business processes.
• 👩‍💼 Empowering Workforce: With over 80% of their workforce being women, Abhinandan Creations demonstrates the impact of ERP systems on promoting inclusivity in manufacturing.
• 🛠️ All-in-One Solution: Transitioning to ERPNext consolidates multiple business operations into one platform, streamlining processes and enhancing overall efficiency.

Case Study of a Dynamic Company: Abinandan Creations

Abinandan Creations is involved in the manufacturing and distribution of women’s innerwear. They have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility spread across 50,000 square feet in Kalan, Mumbai. They have been marketing their products under the brand name Salient for the past 28 years. They also supply white-labeled products to prestigious brands and large retail chain outlets such as Nykaa Lifestyle, Reliance Retail, V-Mart, and NMR. Their facility includes state-of-the-art machines for operations such as fabric cutting, fabric inspection, rib cutting, molding, heat transfer labeling, and more than 300 sewing machines. Abinandan Creations also uses the Gemini CAD software for designing. Their monthly production capacity exceeds 2 lakh units produced across 10 production lines, and more than 80% of their workforce comprises women.

Challenges with Previous Software:

The current problems we face with our previous software include:

• It is not a cloud-based solution, which limits our ability to use it remotely.
• Women's innerwear requires handling multiple sizing options along with cup sizes, which demands significant customization. Most software frameworks do not easily adapt to our needs, as we are often required to adjust to the software instead of the software adjusting to our requirements.
• User restrictions are another issue—adding more users increases the cost significantly. In terms of ERP, this challenge is eliminated.

Software Options Evaluated:

We evaluated several software options before selecting ERPNext:

• Blue Cactus: We had reservations as it was a subscription-based software, and there was a fee for every user, which became costly for a small to medium enterprise like ours.
• SAP Business One (SAP B1): We had cost-related concerns, and we were unsure about the complexity of the software and whether our team would adapt to such a heavy system.
• Fab to Fashion: We found it was not customizable enough to meet our specific requirements.

Why ERPNext?

The major factors that influenced our decision to select ERPNext were:

• It is a cloud-based, open-source software. Being open-source, developers worldwide are constantly working to improve it, similar to how Android or iOS systems evolve.
• A wealth of information is available online, including numerous YouTube channels that educate users about ERPNext.
• ERPNext is highly customizable, which was a critical requirement for us.
• It has no user restrictions, allowing us to add distributors to the same network without added costs.

Experience with HNS:

Our experience with HNS has been smooth. They listen to our problems and offer solutions that don’t require us to alter our systems or working processes too much. Our team has been satisfied because their queries are resolved almost immediately. The major reason we selected the HNS team is Mr. S. Sir. During our initial discussions, I observed that he listens carefully and sends his team to understand our working processes before offering solutions and ideas for automation and customization. Their approach is highly systematic, with a strong focus on processes, and their team ensures everything happens according to our requirements.

Advice to Small and Medium Enterprises:

For any small or medium-scale enterprise looking for ERP software, I would highly recommend ERPNext. If you are planning to expand in the near future, this system will grow with you and cover all business operations. You won’t need multiple software solutions to solve different problems—ERPNext is a one-stop solution.

Best Marine Pvt Limited

Established in 1984, Best Marine implemented ERPNext to streamline operations and manage inventory challenges effectively.

Highlights

• 🌊 Established in 1984, Best Marine specializes in marine uniforms and safety gear.
• 🏭 The company has over 200 employees and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Karj.
• 📦 They faced challenges managing over 10,000 inventory SKUs and accurate stock forecasting.
• ✅ Evaluated ERP systems included Odoo, Zoho, and Logic ERP, but ERPNext stood out for its usability and budget alignment.
• 🤝 The implementation partner, Harden Soft, played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition to ERPNext.
• 💼 The accounting and stock management modules are live, with plans for further implementation.
• 🌟 Strong recommendation for SMEs to consider ERP solutions for better operational efficiency.

Key Insights

• 🌐 Industry Experience Matters: Choosing an ERP partner with industry-specific experience is crucial for tailored customizations and successful implementation in the textile and apparel sector.
• 💡 Adaptability of ERP Solutions: ERPNext’s flexibility allows it to meet the dynamic needs of businesses like Best Marine, making it a suitable choice for companies with diverse product lines.
• ⏳ Efficiency in Inventory Management: Accurate inventory forecasting and management are vital, especially with tight lead times, highlighting the need for robust ERP systems.
• 📊 User-Friendly Systems Drive Adoption: The ease of use of ERPNext’s interface facilitated a smoother transition and faster adoption by the staff, essential for operational continuity.
• 🤝 Support Through Transition: Ongoing support from the implementation partner ensures that companies can navigate the complexities of switching to a new ERP system with confidence.
• 🛠️ Budget-Friendly Solutions: Finding a powerful ERP system that fits within budget constraints is possible, which is crucial for small and medium enterprises.
• 🗣️ Advocacy for ERP Implementation: Personal recommendations from experienced users, like Mr. SES, can significantly influence the decision-making process for SMEs considering ERP solutions.

Hi, I'm going to present the case study of a very seasoned company by the name of Best Marine Private Limited. They are into the manufacturing and distribution of PP kits and uniforms for the Marine industry for the past four decades. The company was established by Mr. H.M. Hassan in 1984, and it is currently managed by Mr. Mohmad Amin, who is the Managing Director. Mr. Mohmad Umar handles the operations and manufacturing, while sales and marketing are managed by Mr. Shadab Emma.

Their range of PP products includes:

• Safety helmets
• Boiler suits
• Jackets
• Paka jackets
• Gloves
• Safety goggles
• Safety shoes
• And many more...

These products feature superior shock absorption, ratchet suspension, 3M reflective tapes, two-way zippers, and many other unique features.

They have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nal, near Karj, with a workforce of more than 200 employees. They have multiple sales outlets and warehouses in Mumbai and Delhi.

Challenges and Pain Areas

What were the challenges and pain areas that you were facing with your previous software?

Our main business challenge is the number of inventory SKUs that we have to manage, which is now more than 10,000, including all sizes. Additionally, we get a very small lead time to manufacture goods for supply, as the demand is very immediate. Therefore, accurate forecasting of stock is critical.

Software Evaluation

What were the software options that you evaluated before selecting ERPNext?

When we were looking for ERP systems, we considered options like Odoo, Zoho, Logic ERP, and many other customized solutions. However, ERPNext by HNS stood out. The demo impressed us with its ease of use and features, all while staying within our budget.

We have gone live with the accounting module, complete purchase cycle, and stock management from this financial year. Even though we have not fully implemented all aspects of the ERP, we are confident that ERPNext will be able to provide all the support that we need.

Role of ERP Implementation Partner

How crucial is the role of an ERP implementation partner?

I would like to highlight the crucial role that an ERP implementation partner plays in making the deployment successful. ERPNext is an extremely powerful and versatile product. However, like any ERP, a huge amount of customizations and automations are required for teams to practically use it, especially in the textile and apparel industry. It is important that the partner has a huge amount of experience, capability, and readiness to deliver the required customizations and automations.

Experience with Hard and Soft Consultancy

How has your experience been with Hard and Soft Consultancy so far?

Working with Mr. SES from Hard and Soft Consultancy has been amazing. From the start, we felt confident in his professionalism and expertise. The transition to ERPNext has been smooth, thanks to their support at every step of the way. They made sure we were comfortable with the system and guided us through the process.

Advice to SMEs on ERP Implementation

What would be your advice to small and medium enterprises regarding the importance of ERP to any business?

I highly recommend HNS and ERPNext. Even if you are considering other service providers or ERP solutions, I strongly suggest you speak to Mr. SES. He will not just try to pull you into his solution but will guide you through the process, which is exactly what he did for us. He has been our partner every step of the way.

Summary

ERPNext transformed the operations of a fabric manufacturing company, addressing previous software challenges and improving efficiency.

Highlights

• 🏭 Challenges with Previous Software: Localized ERP lacked service and advanced reporting.
• 📊 User-Friendly Experience: ERPNext is process-driven and easy for staff to use.
• 🌐 All-in-One Ecosystem: Integrates CRM, HR, accounting, and operations in a single platform.
• 📈 Dynamic Reporting: Enhanced reporting and dashboard capabilities for management.
• 🤝 Importance of Implementation Partner: A reliable partner is crucial for successful ERP deployment.
• 🧵 Industry Expertise: Hard and Soft’s textile experience provided tailored solutions.
• 📈 Long-term Benefits: ERPNext can effectively scale operations and reduce workforce needs.

Key Insights

• 🔄 Process Efficiency: Transitioning to ERPNext eliminated data duplication, streamlining workflow and enhancing productivity. This process-driven approach minimizes reliance on human resources.
• 📈 Improved Data Management: Custom dashboards and reporting features empower management with real-time data, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
• 🤝 Critical Partnership: A knowledgeable implementation partner like Hard and Soft is vital for navigating industry-specific challenges and optimizing the ERP system’s potential.
• 🧵 Industry-Specific Solutions: The textile sector’s unique challenges require tailored solutions, which experienced partners can provide, ensuring relevance and efficacy.
• 💡 Cost vs. Value: While ERP systems may seem costly, the long-term operational efficiencies and growth opportunities they offer can yield significant returns on investment.
• 🌍 E-commerce Integration: ERPNext’s capabilities support the integration of e-commerce platforms, enabling seamless data management and operational safety.
• 🏆 Adapting to Change: Continuous support from partners allows businesses to address evolving challenges and maintain operational effectiveness in a dynamic market.

Hi, this is Nandish, and I am the managing partner at Fabric and Fabric. We are into value addition for a lot of fabrics. We do embroideries and prints, majorly on pure and natural-based fabrics. We have been in this business for five years.

What were the challenges and pain areas that you were facing in your previous software?

Previously, we were using a localized custom-built ERP, which had a lot of challenges. The team wasn't ready to give us the utmost level of service that was needed. Reporting was very limited, and we had to put all the data into Excel to extract meaningful information. Post-service support was not up to the mark, and there were frequent back-and-forth discussions with developers, leading to wasted time and energy. Additionally, there was no possibility of integrating external APIs to streamline our processes.

What were the software options that you evaluated before you selected ERPNext?

When selecting any software, two major factors I look for are:

• It should be process-driven, not human-driven.
• It should be user-friendly so that our staff can work on it easily.

I explored a lot of different local-based ERPs. I met many ERP owners in Surat and Mumbai. I even explored major ERP software like open-source Odoo, and I did a trial on V1. However, if you go for solutions like SAP B1, they are very price-heavy.

What are the major factors in ERPNext that appeal to you the most?

The knowledge-sharing community in ERPNext is really great. HNS Hard and Soft, a consulting firm in Surat, were very open in discussing the various avenues ERPNext offers. ERPNext being cloud-based is a big advantage, and it provides an overall ecosystem. You don't need separate software for CRM, HR, accounting, and operations—all these are integrated under one gateway.

As per your experience, how has ERPNext helped your top management?

ERPNext is very dynamic in terms of reporting and integrations. You can create dashboards, set up MIS for individual heads of departments, and even send custom emails. Notifications can be sent via WhatsApp or email in a customized format. We work in an online ecosystem and run an e-commerce platform, so integrations on these fronts allow us to manage data in one place, saving time and effort.

ERPNext has helped us be operationally efficient and not rely heavily on human resources to get things done. This has been a major advantage for me as a stakeholder and has helped me make wise decisions. It has been effective and efficient for the entire team.

How crucial is the role of an ERP implementation partner?

An ERP implementation partner is critical. Even if the platform is stable and user-friendly, if you don't have the right partner to help you build upon it, you're in trouble.

How has been your experience with Hard and Soft so far?

We went with Hard and Soft because they have over 35 years of experience in the textile domain, which was a big plus. Even if we wanted to create something outside of the norm, they had good insights because of their vast experience. Textile is a very unorganized sector, but they helped us work around specific problem statements and provided perfect solutions. We have been using ERPNext for a year, and whenever new challenges arise, they have workarounds or solutions that retain our loyalty.

What would be your advice to textile business owners regarding the importance of ERP?

Textile is so unorganized. Without ERPNext, I would have to hire at least twice the workforce to manage our operations. ERPNext is a go-to solution for any textile business if you have the right partner who understands your business and helps you build an ecosystem around the software. While ERPNext isn't cheap, it can help your business grow effectively and efficiently in the long term.